Newcastle United are interested in re-signing Jetro Willems as a fresh bout of speculation surrounds the future of Matt Ritchie.
Ritchie, who signed a new contract less than a year ago, is wanted by former club Bournemouth in a move that could spark some last minute transfer moves at Newcastle.
United - who unveiled Graeme Jones as their new assistant coach on Wednesday - are closing in on a loan deal as the club's board attempt to shore up Steve Bruce's position despite a ruinous run of defeats in the Premier League.
And it's understood there has been contact over former loan star Willems, who returned to the match day squad at Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend but sees his future away from the Bundesliga club.
They offered him a contract renewal last year which was turned down and the player has set his sights on a St James' Park comeback, to the club where he promised to return after his serious knee injury.
Willems was targeted by PAOK earlier in the window but favours Newcastle and is holding out for a return to Newcastle. The move appeals to United and he is close to Allan Saint-Maximin, who he combined well with last season.
Willems is understood to be fit and match-ready.
